On May 1st, 2015, at The Center for Strategic and International Studies, over sixty men and women from government, the private sector, and academia attended a day-long Assembly on "The Role of the SEC in a Changing World."

The Assembly's Nicholas Hamilton was a panelist at "Influx and Exodus: Two Conversations on Urban Density," co-hosted by The Van Alen Institute and the World Policy Institute. In back-to-back panel discussions, the central concern was how city infrastructure and policy can be designed to keep pace with the demographic shifts that accompany rapid economic growth and decline.

On December 9th, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Van Alen Institute, a conversation will be held on sudden shifts in urban population.

Rust Belt cities struggle to repurpose vacant land and adapt the delivery of fundamental services, and cities like Mumbai and Lagos sprawl ever outward with dense informal communities: In both cases, adapting to sudden population change presents a massive challenge. How can city infrastructure and policy keep pace with the dramatic shifts brought on by rapid growth and decline?

It is with considerable sadness that The American Assembly announces the passing of William H. Sullivan (Oct. 12, 1922—Oct 11, 2013), who served as our President from 1979 to 1986. After a distinguished career as a diplomat and a scholar, Bill brought great prestige to our institution, stabilizing The Assembly’s finances and developing innovative projects. He was held in high esteem by all who had the privilege to work with him, especially The Assembly’s trustees and staff, who extend their condolences to his family.